You Are Your Child's First Teacher: What Parents Can Do with and for Their Children from Birth to Age Six

by Rahima Baldwin Dancy

Book Overview

The first book in America to popularize the insights of Rudolf Steiner, founder of the Waldorf schools, regarding the developmental needs of young children, this revised and updated edition offers new... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0890879672
• ISBN13: 9780890879672
• Release Date: August 2000
• Publisher: Celestial Arts
• Length: 399 Pages
• Weight: 1.14 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.1" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

The Book That Changed My Life

This is the book that not only profoundly changed my parenting style, but led to a career change and major lifestyle change for my family. This was the book that introduced me to Waldorf education and led me to pursue Waldorf teacher training. As a result of this introduction, my husband and I were led to re-evaluate our values and our lifestyle, and we ultimately made the transition from a fast-paced life in the show-business world of Los Angeles, to a quiet life living on a small farm in rural Maine. As a Waldorf early childhood teacher, I have recommended this book to countless families as an introduction to Waldorf education. I always give it as a gift to friends and family with new babies. It is the book I wish I'd had before the birth of my first child. I don't expect most families would experience such a dramatic lifestyle change as a result of this book as ours did, but it may help you relax into your role as a parent, realize that less is indeed more, and make your journey as a parent more meaningful and satisfying.

Excellent

I picked this book up when I began doing research on homeschooling. I found it to be a wonderful book about gently teaching children. This book focuses on leading children through a path of exploration in various areas (art, music etc.) It is especially geared towards little children and babies. Most of the activities suggested are easy and cheap using on hand materials and things found in nature. Although I didn't view this as a parenting book per say, I found it to be more of a philosophy of living with children. It certainly has influenced the way I parent and some of the activities I do with my children. As and added benefit, I did a lot of research taking off from this book on Waldorf schooling and found a lot I liked about it. I certainly do plan on using this method as I begin to teach my children. I certainly would suggest that this is a good book to read when you have a baby.

The best parenting resource I have found.

This is a terrific parenting resource, offering: insights into your child from birth through age six; suggestions for meeting parenting challenges from discipline to fostering creativity; and reinforcement of the importance of your role as a parent. I found the section on Rhythm and Discipline in home life particularly helpful. A friend passed this on to me; I have since bought 4 copies and passed them on to other mothers.

Excellent source of spiritual and practical guidance.

I read this book 8 years ago. I have read over 50 parenting books since then and this book is still my favorite. This book gives you the sense of stepping back and trusting your instincts and really enjoying your child. Ms. Baldwin gives wonderful resource lists for simple toys, games, beautiful music and additional books. This book gives a wealth of information on practical ideas for creating a harmonious, beautiful life for your child. All parents should read this book.